Side-by-Side Comparison
Jack Connectors
RCA vs. XLR 5-Pin
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
Comparing:
RCA
XLR 5-Pin
The RCA connector, introduced by RCA Corporation around 1937, is a de facto industry-standard connector for consumer audio and composite video -- there is no formal mechanical specification for the connector itself, though the composite video signal it typically carries targets a nominal 75-ohm impedance.
5-pin XLR is the standard connector for DMX512 digital lighting control -- though 3-pin XLR is commonly, and per the DMX512 spec itself non-compliantly, substituted in practice. 5-pin XLR is also used for some stereo microphones and modular professional audio equipment.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Connector Family
|
Coaxial Phono Connector | Circular Stage & Lighting Interconnect (XLR5) |
|
Conductors / Contacts
|
2 (Center Pin, Outer Shield Ring) | 5 Pins |
|
Signal Format
|
Unbalanced Line-Level Audio / Composite Video / S/PDIF | DMX512 Digital Lighting Control / Dual-Element Audio |
|
Primary Applications
|
Home theater receivers, DJ turntables/mixers, composite/component video, S/PDIF digital | Stage lighting consoles, moving head fixtures, dimmers, dual-channel stereo microphones |
|
Outer Shell / Contact Diameter
|
8.3–8.5 mm (Outer) | 3.175 mm (Center Pin) | — |
|
Standard Pinout
|
Center Pin: Positive Signal (+) | Outer Ring: Ground / Shield (-) | — |
|
Characteristic Impedance
|
75 Ω (Video / S/PDIF) | ~50 Ω (Audio) | — |
|
DMX512 Pinout
|
— | Pin 1: Shield | Pin 2: Data 1(-) | Pin 3: Data 1(+) | Pin 4: Data 2(-) | Pin 5: Data 2(+) |
|
Governing Standard
|
— | ANSI E1.11 / USITT DMX512-A |